The Nest 2020
Directed by
T. Sean Durkin
Made by
IFC Films
Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Nest (2020). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Stressed by a crumbling marriage and battling alcohol issues, Dr. Ben Cahill finds himself paralyzed by pressure in the emergency room. Following a severe breakdown, his superior mandates a break, prompting him to retreat to Orr Island, a serene fishing community off the coast of Maine, where he and his ex-spouse once bought a home.
During his stay, at the behest of Sheriff Hobbs, he begins to investigate a series of bizarre cases involving both animal and human corpses that exhibit unusual internal and external injuries. As he delves deeper, Dr. Cahill makes a shocking discovery: one of the invasive red cockroaches infesting the island possesses pincers, a trait that signifies something far more sinister. Concerned, he reaches out to the local university’s entomology department, only to learn that this particular African species remains largely unknown in their studies.
With the cockroaches also invading his abode, Dr. Cahill faces hostility from the tight-knit island community. An altercation escalates when a local named Jack breaks into his house, only to meet a gruesome fate at the hands of the very insects he’s been studying. Afterward, the sheriff permits Dr. Cahill to conduct an autopsy on Jack’s body, leading to a terrifying revelation: these cockroach-like creatures invade human hosts, consuming their internal organs before violently surfacing.
As tensions mount, rumors spread throughout the town, blaming Cahill for the recent deaths. Mobs form, resulting in him and his girlfriend, Nell, being imprisoned. In a dramatic turn, Sheriff Hobbs finds himself ensnared and ultimately murdered by the insects, his death being discovered by a local named Guy.
Once freed, Cahill and Nell race to evacuate the locals, starting with Nell’s mother and her schoolchildren, although they soon discover one child is missing. The couple bravely rescues the boy, uncovering the horrors of a cockroach nest hidden in a barn. With urgency, they try to inform the increasingly skeptical townsfolk of the looming threat, but chaos ensues when a swarm of these mutant insects darkens the skies.
Realizing the gravity of the situation too late, many locals attempt to escape but face catastrophic losses, including Eamon and his gang. In a desperate bid for survival, Cahill, Nell, Guy, and Henry flee by boat towards the mainland. However, they encounter another relentless attack, forcing them to overturn their vessel. In a stroke of luck, they ignite a fuel pump, incinerating a significant portion of the infestation just as military reinforcements are called in.
Yet, the film closes on an ominous note, revealing that one of the deadly insects has successfully made its way to the mainland, leaving viewers with unsettling uncertainty about what’s to come.
Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of The Nest (2020) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Dr. Ben Cahill's Breakdown
Dr. Ben Cahill, overwhelmed by a failing marriage and addiction to alcohol, faces immense pressure in his emergency room duties. This culminates in a severe emotional breakdown, forcing his supervisor to mandate a break for him to recuperate.
Retreat to Orr Island
Seeking solace, Dr. Cahill retreats to Orr Island, a peaceful fishing community in Maine where he and his ex-wife once owned a home. This serene setting provides him a much-needed escape from his tumultuous life.
Investigation Begins
At the request of Sheriff Hobbs, Dr. Cahill embarks on an investigation into a series of bizarre cases involving animal and human corpses. The unusual internal and external injuries prompt him to delve deeper into the island's mysteries.
Discovery of the Cockroaches
In his investigation, Dr. Cahill makes a shocking discovery of invasive red cockroaches with pincers. This unusual trait leads him to suspect that these creatures may be part of a much darker issue affecting the community.
Encounters with Hostility
As the cockroaches invade his home, Dr. Cahill faces open hostility from the island's tight-knit community. An altercation escalates dramatically when a local named Jack breaks into his house, leading to a grisly fatal encounter with the very insects.
Autopsy on Jack
Following Jack's demise, Sheriff Hobbs allows Dr. Cahill to conduct an autopsy on the body. The examination reveals the horrifying truth that the cockroach-like creatures invade human hosts, consuming their internal organs.
Rumors and Mob Justice
With rumors swirling around the recent deaths, tension escalates within the town, with many locals blaming Dr. Cahill. This culminates in an angry mob decision, resulting in Cahill and his girlfriend, Nell, being imprisoned.
Sheriff Hobbs' Murder
In a tragic twist, Sheriff Hobbs becomes one of the victims of the clawed insects. His murder is discovered by a local named Guy, further escalating chaos and fear in the community.
Race to Evacuate
Once free, Dr. Cahill and Nell rush to evacuate the islanders, starting with Nell's mother and her schoolchildren. The situation becomes dire as they realize one child is missing, which prompts a desperate search.
Rescue of the Missing Boy
Cahill and Nell bravely rescue the missing child, uncovering a horrific cockroach nest hidden within a barn. This discovery highlights the dire threat posed by the infestation, increasing urgency for the locals.
Townsfolk Skeptical of the Threat
Despite the unveiling horrors, the increasingly skeptical townsfolk refuse to believe in the imminent danger. As swarm of mutant insects descends upon the town, panic and chaos ensue.
Desperate Escape
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Dr. Cahill, Nell, Guy, and Henry make a desperate bid for survival by fleeing to the mainland. However, their attempt is thwarted as they encounter another vicious attack from the insects.
Boat Overturned
During the relentless attack, their boat capsizes, throwing the group into peril. In a twist of fortune, they manage to ignite a fuel pump, incinerating a significant portion of the invading cockroach infestation.
Military Reinforcements Arrive
As chaos reigns, military reinforcements are finally called in to address the horrific infestation. However, the arrival comes too late for many, and the future remains uncertain for the surviving inhabitants of the island.
Ominous Ending
The film closes with a chilling revelation that one of the deadly insects has made its way to the mainland. This leaves viewers with a haunting sense of foreboding about what might transpire next and the potential spread of the threat.
Characters
Explore all characters from The Nest (2020). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Dr. Ben Cahill
Dr. Ben Cahill is a dedicated but troubled emergency room physician grappling with personal and professional crises. His descent into despair following his breakdown forces him to confront not only his demons but also an external threat in Orr Island. As a character, he embodies resilience and determination, driven to protect his loved ones despite overwhelming adversity.
Nell
Nell is Dr. Cahill's supportive girlfriend, who stands by him during his tumultuous time on Orr Island. Her character represents a blend of compassion and strength, navigating the chaos alongside Ben. As events escalate, she emerges as a vital partner in the fight for survival against the invasive threat.
Sheriff Hobbs
Sheriff Hobbs serves as the local authority figure, initially skeptical of Cahill's claims about the cockroaches. His character experiences a transformation as the terror unfolds, ultimately becoming a victim of the very threat he underestimates. Hobbs represents the struggle of leadership in crisis, caught between community trust and the unknown dangers.
Setting
Learn where and when The Nest (2020) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The film is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues such as marital strain, alcoholism, and community response to crises. The characters navigate personal turmoil against the backdrop of a growing environmental threat, depicting a blend of personal and broader societal challenges.
Location
Orr Island, Maine
Orr Island is a tranquil fishing community located off the coast of Maine. Known for its serene landscapes and tight-knit populace, the island presents a contrast to urban life. However, its peaceful facade is shattered by mysterious events linked to invasive species threatening the local ecosystem.
Themes
Discover the main themes in The Nest (2020). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Discovery
The theme of discovery is central to the narrative as Dr. Cahill uncovers the terrifying nature of the invasive cockroaches. His investigations lead to shocking revelations that challenge not only his understanding of biology but also the safety of the community. This theme highlights the importance of understanding and confronting hidden threats in the environment.
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Survival
Survival is a major theme as the characters face a terrifying invasion of mutant insects. The struggle to protect loved ones and the community from a hostile environment drives the characters into desperate actions. This theme showcases human resilience in the face of overwhelming odds, emphasizing the instinct to fight back against nature's fury.
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Community
The dynamics of community are explored through the conflicting responses of the island's residents to the emerging threat. As fear and suspicion spread, the characters must navigate their relationships amidst chaos. The film questions how communities rally together in crisis, highlighting both solidarity and division.
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